Antenna Power Mode Switching via Camera Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication devices with narrow bezel designs, the lack of space for capacitive SAR proximity sensors complicates the regulation of antenna transmission power, leading to inefficient performance, especially when the user is not holding the device, as conventional TAS mechanisms unnecessarily degrade throughput and connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The use of image and touch information to intelligently determine the antenna transmission power mode, allowing for the detection of human presence without SAR sensors, enabling switching between TAS mode and a higher power mode when proximity is not detected, thereby optimizing power usage and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If narrow bezel design is used to reduce device size and simplify structure, then device compactness and manufacturing cost are improved, but the ability to detect human proximity for SAR regulation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/capacitive SAR proximity sensor system with an optical detection system using the camera. The camera captures images and the processor analyzes them to detect human proximity, substituting the dedicated sensor hardware with a multifunctional camera-based system that already exists in the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the camera serve a dual function: its original imaging function plus the additional function of SAR proximity detection. By processing images captured by the camera to detect human presence near the antenna, the system eliminates the need for dedicated SAR sensors while maintaining regulatory compliance capability.
2Reliability
If TAS mechanism is used to regulate antenna transmission power, then SAR compliance is improved, but throughput and connectivity performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna power control based on real-time human proximity detection. When the camera detects a human near the antenna, the system switches to TAS mode with reduced power to ensure SAR compliance. When no human is detected, the system operates at full power for optimal throughput. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making power regulation conditional rather than constant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission power parameter dynamically based on detected human proximity. The processor controls the antenna to operate at different power levels - full power when safe, reduced power when human proximity is detected - thereby optimizing both compliance and performance across different operational contexts.
3Productivity
If beamforming is used to improve throughput and reduce frequency, then communication efficiency is improved, but RF radiation exposure to users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously monitors for human proximity to the antenna. When a human is detected near the beam direction, the system receives feedback to reduce transmission power or adjust beamforming parameters, thereby reducing RF radiation exposure while maintaining communication efficiency when safe.
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices and methods for providing antenna power management control that includes: determining whether there is human presence near a transmit antenna based on image information from a camera and/or based on touch information from one or more touch sensors; and determining a transmission power mode of the transmit antenna based on whether human presence is detected, wherein the transmission power mode enters a high throughput mode including maximum transmit antenna power when no human presence is determined.